The Alchemist's Apprentice (Venice Trilogy Series #1)

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
Blending elements of historical fiction, alternate reality, and amateur-sleuth mystery, Dave Duncan's latest fantasy revolves around an obscure historical figure, Filippo Nostradamus -- the alleged nephew of legendary prognosticator Michel de Nostredame (The Prophecies, The Almanacs, et al.). In the decadent Renaissance-era city of Venice, the ornery old Nostradamus is implicated in a murder after an elderly procurator is poisoned during a private party Nostradamus attended. As he recently predicted the victim's demise, rumors abound about Nostradamus' involvement -- perhaps the renowned alchemist and clairvoyant killed the nobleman to heighten his own reputation. With the help of his trusted apprentice Alfeo Zeno, Nostradamus must somehow prove his innocence before the all-powerful Council of Ten bring him in for questioning -- an inquisition that will undoubtedly include torture and certain death…

Fans of Duncan's previous fantasy works (The Jaguar Knights, Impossible Odds, et al.) should thoroughly enjoy this historical whodunit, the first installment of a projected series featuring Nostradamus and Zeno. Although categorized as a fantasy, The Alchemist's Apprentice is more properly a conventional historical mystery with minor fantastical elements. Nostradamus and Zeno are reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson -- except that the Venetian duo utilize prophecies, astrological horoscopes, Tarot card readings, and the occasional demon summoning, as well as Holmesian deduction, to solve complicated cases. Paul Goat Allen

Publishers Weekly

Duncan (Children of Chaos) mingles arch fantasy and a whodunit plot in this alternate vision of old Venice, the launch of a new series featuring alchemist and astrologer Maestro Nostradamus and his nobly born apprentice, Alfeo Zeno, who narrates with panache. Nostradamus foresees the murder of Procurator Bertucci Orseolo, who's poisoned right beneath his nose during a dinner party. When suspicion falls on Nostradamus, Alfeo must solve the mystery-with a bit of help from his adored chameleon-like courtesan, Violetta-to prove his master's innocence. Nostradamus and Alfeo's adventures provide more amusement than chills in this charming farce, which comments lightly on class prejudice, political chicanery and occult tomfoolery. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

Young swordsman Alfeo Zeno spends his time serving as both protector of and apprentice to Maestro Nostradamus, the famed alchemist, seer, and physician. When his master runs afoul of Venice's ruling Council of Ten, however, Zeno's task becomes more complicated—to clear Nostradamus's name of the charge of murder. Duncan's (Paragon Lost) latest novel launches a new series set in an alternate Venice and filled with the author's customary touches of humor, light satire, and fast-paced action. The author of the "King's Blade" series shows his mastery of both storytelling and character building in a tale that belongs in most libraries.


—Jackie Cassada

Kirkus Reviews

Murder mystery, apparently the first of a series, set in an alternate-world Renaissance Venice, from the excellent Duncan (Children of Chaos, 2006, etc.). In this world, magic works and demons are real-though not, of course, discussed in polite society; astrologer-physician Maestro Filippo Nostradamus uses his clairvoyance to derive riddles describing complex problems and hinting at their solution. His apprentice, the noble Alfeo Zeno, connoisseur of art and manuscripts, is dismayed to be summoned by the doge, Pietro Moro. At a private party, it seems, nobles-including, secretly, the doge himself, and also the Maestro-gathered to examine and possibly bid on a collection of ancient manuscripts. The noble Bertucci Orseolo died after attending. It's possible he was murdered, and the doge requires Alfeo and his master to investigate-very confidentially. The Maestro knows that Orseolo was poisoned with digitalis. But who would want Orseolo dead, and why? Was the doge the intended victim, conceivably targeted by Turkish assassins? Since the Maestro can barely walk, Alfeo must do most of the sleuthing; meanwhile, he will enjoy the attentions of his lover, the celebrated courtesan Violetta of the ferocious intellect and multiple personalities, avoid scrutiny by the official police, who tend to torture first and ask questions later, and endure a demon-inspired temptation to steal a priceless copy of a lost play by Euripides. Not as outrageously original as some of this author's best, but brimming with wit and low-key charms; neither aficionados nor newcomers will be disappointed.